What if . . . Something We Seem Predestined to Ask.

Hello as the beginning of August is beginning to feel like the dog-days-of-summer, While I have heard the phrase numerous times, I knew neither its origin nor its significance overall. I was quite accurate in that it is about the warmest days of summer, and I learned it corresponds the star Canis Major, and itContinue reading “What if . . . Something We Seem Predestined to Ask.”

My _Family Circus_ Life

Hello on a humid August afternoon, I am regularly told I’ve led an extraordinary life, from students asking where I am jet-setting off next to regular reactions of surprise or disbelief because of the various experiences I reflect upon as a matter of course; it’s just how my life has unfolded. Certainly, from the outsetContinue reading “My _Family Circus_ Life”

Is it Choice or Something Other?

Hello from the Eastern Shore, The next month or two seems likely to be a bit hectic, but I am working diligently to get the ducks-in-a-row. I am still trying to catch some of them, but that will happen. Last evening I had dinner with a friend and we had the most wonderful chat aboutContinue reading “Is it Choice or Something Other?”

Nostalgia: More Blessing or Curse?

Hello on a Friday afternoon, The week back from my travels back to Sioux City and other previous places of residence or visiting has been busy, but quite productive. While I was born in Texas, I was away from the Lone Star state early as Kris, my younger sister, but only barely over a yearContinue reading “Nostalgia: More Blessing or Curse?”

What’s the Difference between Bravery and Courage?

Hello on a post 4th weekend, the semiquincentennial 4th, To say there had been a lot of energy and importance, excitement and pomp placed on this 4th would be a gargantuan understatement, but indeed though only 250 years, which is an incredibly short period of time in the history of human annals, it’s been anContinue reading “What’s the Difference between Bravery and Courage?”

No Useless Friends nor Harmless Enemies

Hello from the first part of June, and it is warm; We are so affected by weather. It influences not only our decisions and actions, but also our moods, our outlooks, and perhaps as importantly as anything, even how we react or respond to those around us. Most of my life I have lived whereContinue reading “No Useless Friends nor Harmless Enemies”

Why Respect Matters

Hello from the diner, When I come to the diner today, I remember how this family establishment has become part of the collective memory of my time in Bloomsburg. There was a period where I was here most every morning and names like Dave, Doug, or Father Fennessy, seated at the left counter as youContinue reading “Why Respect Matters”

To Lament or To Learn

Hello from the micro-acre, The summer I did my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at St. Luke’s in my hometown of Sioux City, there was a lot on my plate. I had been diagnosed with what then was determined to be Ulcerative Colitis, I was on leave from the seminary, was planning a wedding at theContinue reading “To Lament or To Learn”

The Dangers of Faithfulness

Hello from Pennsylvania, and the hope that spring will still arrive, I, as former pastor, a life-long Lutheran, somewhat a Bonhoeffer scholar, and a person who believes deeply in the power of the sacraments, placing the word dangers and faithfulness as something consequential of the other might seem confusing. And yet let me begin here:Continue reading “The Dangers of Faithfulness”

When the Applause Stops

Hello from my little 3rd floor corner of the Magee, As I look out the window, I see a typical little town. There is a statue at the center of our little town commemorating the veterans to the Civil War and beyond, I can see the back of the public library, the flag pole withContinue reading “When the Applause Stops”